Using transportable units for farm workers

If you run a farm, vineyard, forestry or fruit growing site or any other business where you need seasonal workers, then you might want to consider providing accommodation. Transportable units for farm workers or other seasonal staff are a great option without the hassle of permanent buildings.

Benefits of using transportable units for farm workers

It makes you a more attractive employer

Finding accommodation can be difficult for seasonal workers as they will usually need to rent. Having accommodation onsite makes you an attractive employer as it solves one of those problems. By providing accommodation you might also attract overseas visitors on working holiday visas looking for temporary work during their travels.

Staff are already onsite so lateness and other issues will be reduced

If your staff are already on site then you don’t need to worry about them not getting to work or being late due to transport issues. It also reduces travel time before and after their working day which should reduce fatigue.

You can use the units for other things when not occupied by workers

If you don’t have staff on site you could think about renting out the units as farmstay holiday homes or on Airbnb. In fact, you might even want to get an extra unit to do this anyway. A farmstay experience is a popular option for overseas visitors.

Units are easier and more cost-effective to build than traditional buildings

Because they are built off site by a reputable company and not subject to weather delays, transportable units are a cost-effective alternative and often a less stressful one than building permanent buildings. Units can also be relocated to different areas of your farm if required although most are left in one place long-term.

Things to consider before adding transportable units to your site

How many might you need

Deciding how many units you need and choosing the right size will depend on how many workers you have and whether you want to provide shared or private accommodation. If you are planning to offer shared accommodation then you could look at bigger units with bunk beds in each room. Bear in mind some of your workers may have families and may want their own space.

Will you make the units self-contained or use other facilities for washing and cooking?

If you are planning to make units self-contained then make sure they have space for separate kitchen and bathroom facilities. You’ll also need to connect them to power and water. You’ll also need to think about things like internet access.

Will you provide the accommodation as part of the wage package or offer the option for renting?

You could include accommodation as part of the salary package for your workers – although remember you will still need to pay an adequate wage. Alternatively, you could pay a higher wage and offer a rental option. Remember to check your tax obligations and check the regulations you may be subject to as a landlord.

Unit2Go has plenty of suitable units for your farm

Unit2Go has a range of transportable cabins from small studio units to family size cabins or that could be fitted with bunk beds for group accommodation. You can even connect more than one unit together to make more space.

Our units are fully insulated and can be quickly and easily connected to your existing power and water supplies. Toilets can be plumbed into drainage or connected to a pump system. All units come with smoke alarms and a code of compliance.